I jumped back, gun held ready, and caught my first glimpse of the screaming, howling battle that came wheeling into the circle of light. It was Old Yeller, all right, tangled with some animal as big and savage as he was. Mama called, Careful, son. And take close aim; it's a big loafer wolf, gone mad.'My heart nearly quit on me. Travis is fourteen and he's the man of the household while his dad's away droving cattle. His job is to protect his mum and Little Arliss, and look after the corn patch.